MIDDLESBROUGH have confirmed that tonight's Championship home game with Leeds United will definitely go ahead as planned.

With no further heavy snowfall last night, all relevant authorities are satisfied that the game can take place at 7.45pm as scheduled.

A meeting between the football club, police and Middlesbrough Council ended this lunch-time with the match, which will be televised live on Sky Sports, being formally given the go-ahead.

Middlesbrough issued the following statement on their website: "The adverse weather conditions have created a number of challenges over the past few days.  

"The management and staff of Middlesbrough Football Club, together with the local authorities and emergency services, have worked extremely hard to ensure this evening’s game could go ahead as planned.

"Every effort has been made to ensure the safety and well being of spectators.

"However, we are asking supporters to be extra vigilant, especially on stairways, the concourses, and surrounding areas.  

"The weather has also had an adverse effect on supplier deliveries and staff availability, and as a result, service within our concourses and hospitality areas will be slightly reduced. We apologise and thank you in advance for your cooperation.

"All the main routes into Middlesbrough are clear, but fans travelling to the game are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

We are encouraging fans without pre-booked car parking to utilise the free parking available in the town centre, and complete the journey on foot. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from the town centre and all footways have been cleared."

The ticket office at the Riverside will be open until kick-off, and collections points are open from 6pm.